After the Attacks
After 40 minutes of the first raid, they hoped it would be all over, however half an hour later another attack by the Japanese commenced for 20 to 25 minutes. The longest 65 minutes of their lives were over, but most still feared the Japanese would return with more bombs and there wasn't much to stop them as only two to four Japanese planes were successfully brought down.
Almost half of the civilians and many servicemen fled south in the panic of the crowd just hours later. Several women and children had already been evacuated between December 1941 and January 1942 although some still remained.
Three days after the attacks 278 servicemen were still missing and homes and belongings were stolen as panic still grew in the town.
The remaining ships left in the port were hot, stuffed with people and short of supplies as people left to try and find safer surroundings. Although there was always the threat of more attacks. Everyone looked out for enemy mines and were blacked out during the night to avoid detection.
After the chaos of the town stilled the town was gradually rebuilt including a stronger military base to rule out further attacks. Some people returned to their homes and others were never seen in those parts again. In was a traumatic event that I am sure nobody ever forgot.
In total, out of the 46 boats that were floating in the port eight sunk whilst most were severely damaged by gunshots and bombs. 20 military aircraft were destroyed, civil and military facilities were demolished and many other buildings and lives were taking with the force of the Japanese air raids.
Almost half of the civilians and many servicemen fled south in the panic of the crowd just hours later. Several women and children had already been evacuated between December 1941 and January 1942 although some still remained.
Three days after the attacks 278 servicemen were still missing and homes and belongings were stolen as panic still grew in the town.
The remaining ships left in the port were hot, stuffed with people and short of supplies as people left to try and find safer surroundings. Although there was always the threat of more attacks. Everyone looked out for enemy mines and were blacked out during the night to avoid detection.
After the chaos of the town stilled the town was gradually rebuilt including a stronger military base to rule out further attacks. Some people returned to their homes and others were never seen in those parts again. In was a traumatic event that I am sure nobody ever forgot.
In total, out of the 46 boats that were floating in the port eight sunk whilst most were severely damaged by gunshots and bombs. 20 military aircraft were destroyed, civil and military facilities were demolished and many other buildings and lives were taking with the force of the Japanese air raids.